1. Close Reading of a Non-fiction Text
How do we understand what we read?
How do we recognize an author’s “craft” and “style”?
How do we use close reading to answer a constructed response?

2. What do we look for? Look for EXPLICIT and IMPLICIT details about…:
Descriptions of people, places, & things
Comments about…
Setting
Conflict
Author’s tone
Diction/Syntax
Dialogue, if any
Irony
Use of figurative language
Remember TWO things:
This is not an exhaustive list; there are other literary and rhetorical devices you may find.
Authors usually emphasize only a few of these elements in a text. For example, a speech may rely heavily on repetition, while providing little to no dialogue.

3. Why do we have to look for all these things?
Authors manipulate these elements to lead us towards the discovery of a THEME. Even non-fiction texts have themes.
Theme
People, Places, Things
Setting
Conflict
Tone/Mood
Diction/Syntax
Dialogue
Irony
Figurative Language

4. What does the process of “Close Reading” look like?
First: Is there anything noteworthy about the title?
Beginning with the first paragraph, annotate any EXPLICIT or IMPLICIT details that pertain to the list.
If you are able to, annotate a handout.
If you cannot annotate directly on the text, take DETAILED notes on paper.

5. Constructed Response
A paragraph, essay, or longer response to a critical thinking question. After doing a close read, we can use our notes to answer a CR.
The basic structure for a constructed response:
Main idea sentence that answers the question directly
Evidence from the text to support the main idea
Closing sentence(s) that analyze the relationship between the main idea and evidence.

6. Model of a constructed response:
Q: What stylistic or literary devices does the author use to enhance the main idea or purpose in his writing (Of Plymouth Plantation)?
A: William Bradford’s personal narrative contains several allusions to “the will of God,” which is an important part of Puritan and Pilgrim ideology. After the mariners decide to repair the ship and continue on to Cape Cod, Bradford tells readers, “So they committed themselves to the will of God and resolved to proceed.” He repeats this idea after a man is rescued from falling overboard and after they escape the rough waters of Hudson’s River. Bradford’s repetitive allusions to the will of God reinforce the Pilgrim belief that their journey to America was pre-destined by God.